Summerville Family YMCA Youth Soccer PARENT ORIENTATION

The YMCA Mission… The YMCA mission is to be a community cornerstone that puts Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for ALL.

“…a community cornerstone…” We provide some of what the community needs and wants in the way of… – Recreation – Health – Wellness – Faith – Leisure – Personal growth

“…Christian principles…” FIVE Core Values… – Caring – Honesty – Respect – Responsibility – Faith – Who doesn’t want to be caring, honest, respectful, responsible, and faithful?

“…through programs…” Youth Sports Adult Sports Summer Camp Swim Team Swim Lessons Lifeguarding Soccer Camps Basketball Camps Gymnastics Classes Gymnastics Team Mother’s Morning Out After School Care Fishing Camps Hiking Camps Lock-ins Holiday Camps

“…for ALL.” While the “C” stands for “Christian”, the organization stands for ALL people. Christianity teaches us that we are ALL God’s children. The YMCA holds true to this belief. Everyone, of every race, gender, color, ethnicity, status, education, and religion is a welcome member of the YMCA.

General Information for parents What does my child need to be ready for soccer? Cleats (optional for Micro and U6) Shin-guards (mandatory) Shorts When will we hear from our child’s coach? Micro: by February 21 U6 – U16: by February 14

General information continued… When do practices start? Micro: February 26 U6 – U16: the week of February 14 When does the season start and end? February 26 – April 16

General information continued… How can I help my child’s team? Assistant Coach Team Parent Volunteer When will pictures be taken? March 5 and 12

“Bad Call!” The 7 Most Commonly Misunderstood Rules of Soccer Handballs- when the player “handles” the ball. Two-touch Rule- player cannot touch the ball twice in a row Fouls- soccer is a contact sport. Bumping and going shoulder-to- shoulder is permitted. Offside- An offensive player cannot be ahead of the ball and involved in a play unless there is a defender between them and the keeper. Goals- A player can score directly from a kick off. Direct/Indirect Kicks- Indirect kicks apply mainly to offside and dangerous play situations. Substitutions- can be done on a team’s throw-in possession, during either team’s goal kick, during center kick-offs, or if a player is injured.

League Structure Micro: 3years U6: 4-5 years U8: 6-7 years U10: 8-9 years U12: years U14: years U16: years

Prayer and Character Development Prayer- Before and after each game the two teams will meet at mid-field to pray together. A coach or ref will conduct the prayer. Character Wrist Bands- Caring, Respect, Responsibility, and Honesty. Each coach will receive character wrist bands to give out to a child that shows one of the Y’s characteristics in a practice or game.

Oakbrook Property Rules No smoking No pets No alcohol No weapons No soliciting No Speeding Adhere to all traffic signs Dispose of trash in cans Park only in designated parking areas Report any problems/concerns

Rules for Parents Please note that the Y has a Zero Tolerance Policy. If you are found breaking any of the rules below, you will be asked to leave the property immediately. If you are found to be overly aggressive at any point during your child’s game, you will be asked to leave the property. If at any point you aggressively address a coach, ref, another parents, or any other Y employee, you will be asked to leave the property. Do not talk to or yell at referees Do not stand or congregate behind goal lines Do not enter the field of play No foul or inappropriate language Be supportive No physical or verbal confrontations Act professionally, and respectfully at all times

Rule Enforcement First Offense – Warning. Possible ejection from YMCA property. Second Offense – Ejection from YMCA property. Possible ban from YMCA property. Third Offense – Ban from YMCA property.

The role of the Parent Be a constant pillar of SUPPORT for your child, teammates, opponents, coaches, and referees.

The role of the Coach COACH = ROLE MODEL THIS is how you play. THIS is how you show sportsmanship. THIS is how you conduct yourself on the field of play. THIS is how you handle success AND defeat.

The role of the Referee Ensure a SAFE and FAIR playing environment.

The role of the YMCA To make sure PARENTS, COACHES, REFEREES, and PLAYERS fulfill their ROLES.

How to approach a referee DON’T

The #1 Goal Be SAFE LEARN Have FUN!!!

Contact Information Jill Weatherford Youth Sports Director Barbara Gonzalez Oakbrook Branch Sports Assistant